Roland Rollie J Ledebuhr

East Lansing

Rollie, age 87 passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved one on March 2, 2011.

Rollie was born in the small farming community of Capac, Michigan. His life of service to family, community and profession, started on the 700 acre family centennial farm, where Rollie and his sister Marian were born to Wesley and Delta Ledebuhr. His early education was in a one-room school house, then Capac High School, and later classes in Agriculture from Michigan Agricultural College. During his younger years Rollie went back to the family farm to work with his father. It was then that Rollie went on a blind date with young extension worker Marilyn Musselman of East Lansing, who became the love of his life. In 1953, they married and in 1956 Rollie and Marilyn made the life altering decision to move away from the family farm to go into the Real Estate profession with his father-in-law Forrest Musselman.

From 1962 - 1996 Rollie served as President of Musselman Realty. Rollie's service to his community has many highlights. In the late 1960's he was appointed to serve on the East Lansing Civil Rights Commission and worked to open up housing opportunities for minorities. For over 30 years Rollie served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of East Lansing State Bank (later Citizens Bank). He was a 65+ year member of the Lions Club, serving as President of both the Capac Lions Club which he co-founded and the East Lansing/Meridian Lions Club. Rollie served as President of the Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Development Authority of Greater Lansing, the Easter Seals Society, Pinecrest Elementary PTO and Hannah Middle School council and R.E.Olds Transportation Museum. He was Chairman of the East Lansing Peoples Church Board of Elders, a long time member of the Choir, and chaired the Building and Grounds Committee during the rebuilding of the church following the fire that destroyed the sanctuary. He also proudly served the East Lansing Senior Program, helping to establish its current headquarters at the Hannah Community Center. In 2001 Rollie received the East Lansing Crystal Award, and in 2007 received the East Lansing Education Foundation Distinguished Community Service Award. In his over 40 years of active service to his Real Estate profession Rollie was awarded the 1988 Distinguished Service Award (recognizing his many contributions at the local, state, and national level) and later named Lifetime Member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Realtors. Rollie served as President of both the Michigan Association of Realtors and the Greater Lansing Association of Realtors, and was named REALTOR of the Year by both organizations.

Rollie's greatest joy was his family. Along with his children and grandchildren he enjoyed the summers and especially the winters, up north, at the family built cottage in the Traverse City area. A huge MSU football and basketball fan Rollie enjoyed attending every possible game. He also was an avid admirer of the MSU Wharton Center and East Lansing High School Theater, Band and Choir presentations, and enjoyed many family ski trips. He was preceded in death by his parents Wesley and Delta Ledebuhr of Capac. He is survived by his wife of 58 years Marilyn; daughter Amy (Paul) DePan, and son David (Jane) Ledebuhr; grandchildren Emily, Wesley, Bryan, Rachel, Eric and Scott; and his sister Marian White.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Peoples Church, on Thursday, March 17th, 2011 at 11 am. The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday, March 16, 2011 from 5 pm to 8 pm at the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 1730 E. Grand River, East Lansing, MMI. In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the East Lansing/Meridian Lions Club, c/o treasurer Jim Lorenz, 4152 Naubinway, Okemos, MI 48864, or to the Peoples Church "music program", 200 W. Grand River, East Lansing, 48823. On live condolences may be made at www.gorslineruncimuncimaneastlansing.com